April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

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Thank You...

We are so lucky to have a wonderful community of readers. Thank you to all who shared messages of sympathy with the news of The Book Report Network’s co-founder Jesse Kornbluth’s passing last week. I still am answering your lovely notes and memories. Here is Jesse’s obituary that ran in the New York Times. And here is a beautiful piece that Sean Doorly, also known as “employee No. 1,” wrote that captured Jesse so well.

I am in the midst of reading two books at once, as I often find myself doing, as I try to catch up and read ahead. I am reading and listening to THE MAID’S SECRET, the last installment in Nita Prose’s Molly the Maid series, which just released this week and will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick. I am seeing so much coming together in this final book. I love moments like that. We will feature our review later this month, as well as my Bets On commentary.

THE DOORMAN by Chris Pavone, which is on sale May 20th, is a sharp thriller that I have been enjoying. So far, I have been introduced to some of the characters who live and work at the Bohemia, the most famous apartment house in the world and the home of celebrities, financiers and New York’s cultural elite. Chicky Diaz is the doorman at the Bohemia; in addition to opening the door, he is carting packages and being gregarious to one and all. The characters are in place, the action has started, and whoa, I am ready for the drama that I know is coming.

My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with Katy Hays, whose new novel, SALTWATER, will be a Bets On selection. The book is set on the island of Capri and has the same vibes as “The White Lotus.”

Katy explains the origins of the novel, as well as how the story grew and why she told it from the points of view of multiple characters, alternating between “Then” and “Now.” She also discusses her research on Capri and why it was the perfect place to set the novel. The audiobook has three narrators, and Katy shares why she feels they worked to best serve the book. Click here to watch the video or here to listen to the podcast. And don’t miss my Bets On commentary later this month.

We hosted April’s “Bookaccino Live” book preview afternoon event on Wednesday. I talked about 36 books releasing between now and May 6th, plus 15 from June, that we wanted to get on your radar. You can watch the presentation here and see a list of the featured titles here.

Next month's “Bookaccino Live” book preview event will take place on Wednesday, May 14th at 2pm ET. The focus will be on titles releasing between May 13th and June 3rd, in addition to a few from July, that we think will appeal to you. Click here to sign up.

Yesterday, we received the heartbreaking news that Andrew Gross had passed away at the age of 72 after battling a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer. Andrew wrote 19 novels, several of which were New York Times and international bestsellers, and collaborated with James Patterson on five #1 bestsellers.

Just three weeks ago, Andrew and I chatted on Facebook and in email about an essay he had written about having plasmacytoid bladder cancer. You can read it here. It’s such a powerful and emotional piece as he details everything he went through before and after receiving the devastating diagnosis. I am hoping that we can find a wider audience for it. He was such a wonderful writer, and this personal story is brilliant.

Our reviewer Ray Palen, who has read and reviewed a number of Andrew’s books, has this to say about him.

“I was introduced to Andrew Gross through his collaborations with James Patterson. When Patterson began teaming up with various authors, Andrew was one of the first to stand out. I always thought there was something special about their ventures together and looked forward to seeing Andrew step out on his own. He did so, in a big way. In 2007, THE BLUE ZONE was published, and it was an instant success. The following year saw the release of the first installment in his excellent Ty Hauck series, THE DARK TIDE, which was nominated for Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers.

“Andrew excelled when he stepped away from straight thrillers and produced far more personal novels involving both World War II and the surge of antisemitism on the home front during those times. I particularly loved THE ONE MAN, a story that Andrew was born to write, and it left me breathless.

“I corresponded with Andrew via social media, and he was always gracious about the reviews of his books that Bookreporter ran. We lost Andrew and his amazing talent this week, but he left behind a fine legacy of work for which he will be long remembered. Be at peace, Andrew.”

Last year, we told you about Corinne Levine’s book-centered travel company, Novel Travels. Corrine’s mission is to “inspire people to explore the world through the literature they read. I am dedicated to creating individualized itineraries to the destinations clients dream about when they read about them in novels.”

Fiona Davis was their inaugural author. Just a couple of weeks ago, she accompanied Corinne, renowned New York historian Kevin Draper, and several attendees on a tour of New York City to visit the settings of her books. Fiona was kind enough to write this wonderful piece for us about the first-ever “Fiona Davis Books On Tour,” and she also sent us photos of them posing in front of the NYC landmarks that inspired her novels.

Jennifer Weiner is back with THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS, a deeply moving novel set against the glitz and chaos of early-2000s pop stardom. Equal parts heartfelt family saga and behind-the-scenes look at fame, this is a story about sisters, motherhood, young love, and the dreams we chase.

According to Pamela Kramer in her review, “This novel is one that begs to be a book club choice as there are numerous issues and themes to be explored.... Weiner also beautifully presents the part that music plays in our lives…. In addition to the content of this wonderfully gripping and emotionally satisfying novel, there's the beauty of the physical hardcover book…. THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS will be read and reread, and then passed on to friends to share.”

In March, we featured my Bets On commentary for the latest book by Jeff Hobbs, who many of you know as the author of THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACE. SEEKING SHELTER is a powerful portrayal of American homelessness that follows a single mother of six in Los Angeles courageously struggling to keep her family together and her children in school amidst the devastating housing crisis.

This week, we’re happy to share our review of SEEKING SHELTER from Jana Siciliano, who loved this book just as much as I did. She calls it “an instant classic” and “one of the most educational books I’ve ever read about the oppressive and terrifying journey of homelessness that millions of Americans experience each year.” She goes on to say, “The book packs an immeasurable punch and sears into one’s brain and heart this indefatigable woman’s journey through a quick-fix system that cannot handle the amount of people who need it.”

Jana captured so many of my thoughts about this book. Reading is such a personal experience that it truly is a joy when another reader shares the same feelings after finishing a book. 

I had an in-depth conversation with Jeff about SEEKING SHELTER last month. If you missed it, I highly recommend that you give it a watch or a listen as you will learn so much about the housing crisis in America that you never knew before.

Other books we're reviewing this week include:

• TWIST: Colum McCann, the National Book Award-winning author of LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN, has written a propulsive novel of rupture and repair in the digital age that delves into a hidden world deep under the ocean.
   
• TILT: Set over the course of one day, Emma Pattee’s heart-racing debut --- which is this month’s #1 Indie Next pick --- is about a woman facing the unimaginable who is determined to find safety.
   
• THE GATSBY GAMBIT: Yesterday was a special anniversary for THE GREAT GATSBY. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s exploration of the American dream was published 100 years ago. Claire Anderson-Wheeler's clever reimagining of the world of GATSBY is timed perfectly for this milestone.

I’m Betting You’ll Love…
ONE GOOD THING by Georgia Hunter, which follows one young woman’s journey through war-torn Italy, is my latest Bets On pick. Click here for my commentary.

Revisiting My “Bookreporter Talks To” Interview with Genevieve Kingston
Out in paperback this week is DID I EVER TELL YOU?, Genevieve Kingston’s powerful, life-affirming memoir, which is a Bets On selection. I talked to Genevieve about the book last May when it released in hardcover. So if you missed the discussion or would like to check it out again, you can watch it here or listen to the podcast here.

Spring Reading Contest Update
We gave away THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman in this week’s Spring Reading contest. Our final prize book will be Kristine Gasbarre’s memoir, SHOW, DON’T TELL, which releases on Tuesday, April 29th and inspires us to remember the special teachers in our lives and reflect on the change we create when we share our stories. The contest will go live on Tuesday, April 15th at noon ET.

Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We have a new Word of Mouth contest to tell you about. Let us know by Friday, April 25th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY by Alka Joshi and STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci, both of which release on Tuesday.

Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
Outside of a book group (if you belong to one), do you talk about books with your friends? That is our latest poll question; click here to let us know what you do.

Our previous poll asked if you typically pre-order books online or from bookstores. Only 22% of you pre-order books from bookstores, while a much larger percentage do so online. Here’s a breakdown of the latter, and be sure to check out all the results here.

• I pre-order books online less than a month in advance. (20%)
• I pre-order books online 1-2 months in advance. (23%)
• I pre-order books online 3-4 months in advance. (21%)
• I pre-order books online 5-8 months in advance. (13%)
• I pre-order books online 9-12 months in advance. (10%)

Ann wrote, “Thank you for the book THE WOMEN ON PLATFORM TWO. It was different from my usual books and a new author. The book held my interest, and I enjoyed learning about Ireland in the '60s. The characters were interesting, and it was a most enjoyable read.” We love when our readers let us know their thoughts about the books they have won.

“1923” on Paramount+: It was a really good season. I am wondering how they got the windows fixed so quickly in the middle of winter in Montana. If you were watching, you know what I mean. I cannot believe that we are saying goodbye to these characters and moving on to “1944.” Taylor Sheridan is one very busy guy.

“The White Lotus” on Max: As I have said, this was not my favorite season, BUT the memes and videos that came from Parker Posey’s role and her Southern drawl have been five-star.

“The Pitt” on Max: Yes, I watched “ER” back in the day, so it is fun seeing Noah Wyle back in his doctor role on “The Pitt.” The first season has 15 episodes, and it’s been interesting to see the variety of cases and all that happens during a typical day in the ER. It is VERY well done. I always thought that if I was not doing what I was doing, I would want to work in an ER, or do air traffic control. I guess this means I love pressure when I work! 

We are having dinner tonight with our friends, Donal and Susan, at Lombardi’s Bar & Restaurant.

It’s Masters weekend, which means there will be lots of whispering on the TV around our house as the golf action takes place. I need to figure out what was the “best” pimento cheese recipe that I made last year. You would think that I would flag “the best” recipe. Things like that are very important on Masters weekend. I somehow have come down with a cold, probably because the weather has been so temperamental. My current thought: Where is spring? I am ready for it to have sprung!

And speaking of spring, the “Pink Moon”, the first full moon of the season, will reach its peak tomorrow at 8:22pm ET.

Happy Passover to all those who are celebrating!

Read on, and have a great week.

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

P.S. For those of you who shop online, if you use the store links that appear on our site for shopping, Bookreporter.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound. As you read our reviews and features, we would appreciate your considering this as you buy!

Featured Review: THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’
GREATEST HITS by Jennifer Weiner

THE GRIFFIN SISTERS' GREATEST HITS by Jennifer Weiner (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Dakota Fanning
Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were thrust into the spotlight as The Griffin Sisters, a pop duo that defined the aughts. Together, they skyrocketed to the top, gracing MTV, "SNL" and the cover of Rolling Stone. Cassie, a musical genius who never felt at ease in her own skin, preferred to stay in the shadows. Zoe, full of confidence and craving fame, lived for the stage. But fame has a price, and after one turbulent year, the band abruptly broke up. Now, two decades later, the sisters couldn’t be further apart. Zoe is a suburban mom warning her daughter, Cherry, to avoid the spotlight, while Cassie has disappeared from public life entirely. But when Cherry begins unearthing the truth behind their breathtaking rise and infamous breakup, long-buried secrets surface, forcing all three women to confront their choices, their desires, and their complicated bonds. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.

Click here to read our review.

Featured Review: SEEKING SHELTER by Jeff Hobbs
A Bookreporter.com Bets On Title

SEEKING SHELTER: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America by Jeff Hobbs (Biography/Social Science)
Audiobook available; read by Janina Edwards, with a note read by Jeff Hobbs
In 2018, poverty and domestic violence cast Evelyn and her children into the urban wilderness of Los Angeles, where she avoids the family crisis network that offers no clear pathway for her children to remain together and in a decent school. For the next five years, Evelyn works full time as a waitress yet remains unable to afford legitimate housing or qualify for government aid. All the while she strives to provide stability, education, loving memories and college aspirations for her children, even as they sleep in motels and in her car, living in fear of both her ex and the nation’s largest child welfare agency. Eventually Evelyn encounters Wendi Gaines, a recently trained social worker who decades earlier survived her own abusive marriage and housing crisis. Evelyn becomes one of Wendi’s first clients, and the relationship transforms them both. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read Carol's Bookreporter.com Bets On commentary.
- Click here to watch our "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Jeff Hobbs.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.

Click here to read our review.

Now Available: THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman

THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Katharine Chin
Emma Page grew up the black sheep in a bookish household, raised to believe that fine literature is the only worthy type of fiction. Her parents, self-proclaimed “serious” authors who run their own vanity press, The Mighty Pages, mingle in highbrow social circles that look down on anything too popular or mainstream. Her sister, Jess, is a powerful social media influencer whose stylish reviews can make or break a novel. Hiding her own romance manuscript from her disapproving parents, Emma finds inspiration at the family cottage among the “fluff” they despise: the juicy summer romances that belonged to her late grandmother. But a chance discovery unearthed from her Gigi’s belongings reveals a secret that has the power to ruin her parents’ business and destroy their reputation in the industry.

- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to visit Viola Shipman's website.

Click here to read more about the book.

Bookreporter.com Bets On:
ONE GOOD THING by Georgia Hunter

ONE GOOD THING by Georgia Hunter (Historical Fiction)
Following the success of WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, I was looking forward to what Georgia Hunter would write next. In ONE GOOD THING, she brings us to World War II Italy in 1940. There, we meet Lili and Esti, both of whom are Jewish and have been friends since they were in school together. They become even closer after the birth of Esti’s son, Theo. Esti’s husband, who is of Greek heritage, has returned to Greece to check on his family as attacks on Greek Jews have begun. I was unaware that over 80% of Greece’s pre-war Jewish population was killed by the Nazis.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to watch our "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Georgia Hunter.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.

Click here to read more of Carol's Bets On commentary.

New Special Contest on ReadingGroupGuides.com:
Enter to Win One of 25 Copies of
MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER
by Colleen Cambridge

In anticipation of the April 29th release of A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER, the third book in Colleen Cambridge's An American in Paris Mystery series, we are awarding 25 readers a copy of MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER, the opening installment of the series.

From fine Bordeaux and freshly baked baguettes to the friendly chatter of the green market, post-World War II Paris is indulging its appetite for food, and life, once more. Enter Tabitha Knight, a young American woman who makes friends with chef-in-training Julia Child --- and finds herself immersed in a murder most unsavory.

The deadline for your entries is Wednesday, May 14th at noon ET.

MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER: An American in Paris Mystery by Colleen Cambridge (Historical Mystery)
As postwar Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn't just the City of Light; it's the city of history, romance, stunning architecture...and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend, Julia Child, another expat who has fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and her Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, and sampling the results of Julia's studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha's sojourn is thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia's building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim from a party given by Julia's sister, Dort, the night before. The murder weapon is recognizable, too --- a knife from Julia's kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha's handwriting, was found in the dead woman's pocket. Now, from the shadows of the Tour Eiffel, to the Childs' tiny kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates the city, hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison...or worse.

- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to read Colleen Cambridge's bio.
- Click here to visit Colleen Cambridge's website.
- Connect with Colleen Cambridge on Facebook and Instagram.

Click here to enter the contest.

Featured Review: TWIST by Colum McCann

TWIST by Colum McCann (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Colum McCann
Anthony Fennell, an Irish journalist and playwright, is assigned to cover the underwater cables that carry the world’s information. The sum of human existence --- words, images, transactions, memes, voices, viruses --- travels through the tiny fiber-optic tubes. But sometimes the tubes break, at an unfathomable depth. Fennell’s journey brings him to the west coast of Africa, where he uncovers a story about the raw human labor behind the dazzling veneer of the technological world. He meets a fellow Irishman, the mysterious John Conway, who is a skilled engineer and a freediver capable of reaching extraordinary depths. When the ship is sent up the coast to repair a series of major underwater breaks, both men learn that the very cables they seek to fix carry the news that may cause their lives to unravel. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to read our review.

Featured Review: TILT by Emma Pattee
April’s #1 Indie Next Pick

TILT by Emma Pattee (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Ariel Blake
Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. With no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a city left in chaos, there’s nothing to do but walk. Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she’s determined to change her life. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.

Click here to read our review.

Featured Review: THE GATSBY GAMBIT
by Claire Anderson-Wheeler

THE GATSBY GAMBIT by Claire Anderson-Wheeler (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Erin Bennett
Greta Gatsby, Jay's younger sister, is finally free of her dull finishing school and looking forward to an idyllic summer at the Gatsby Mansion, the jewel of West Egg. Nothing could disrupt the blissful time she has planned…except finding out that Jay’s cadre of dubious friends --- Daisy and Tom Buchanan, along with Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker --- will be summering there, too. It's hard to be noticed when the luminous Daisy Buchanan is in the room, and Jordan keeps rather too close tabs on handsome Nick Carraway for Greta’s liking. But by far the worst is Daisy’s boorish husband, Tom, whose explosive temper seems always balanced on a knife-edge. But soon, bad blood is the least of their problems, as a shocking event sets the Gatsby household reeling. Death has come to West Egg, and with it, a web of scandal, betrayal and secrets. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

- Click here to read more about the book.

Click here to read our review.

Bookreporter.com’s 14th Annual
Spring Reading Contests and Feature

Spring is in the air! We’ve caught the fever --- and it’s being fueled by some wonderful new and upcoming releases.

Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.

More Reviews This Week

YOU KILLED ME FIRST by John Marrs (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Elizabeth Knowelden, Moira Quirk, Clare Corbett, Deepa Samuel, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Steve West, Gail Shalan and Rachael Beresford
It’s November 5th, and a woman awakens to a nightmare. Bound and gagged, she lies trapped in the heart of a towering bonfire. As the smoke thickens, panic sets in; she’s moments away from being engulfed in flames. How did it come to this? Rewind 11 months. Margot, a faded TV star, and her long-suffering friend, Anna, watch as glamorous Liv and her flawless family move into their street. The three women soon fabricate the perfect pretense of friendship, but each harbors her own deadly secret --- and newcomer Liv senses something is terribly wrong beneath the polished exteriors. As cracks widen in the veneer of perfection and lies escalate out of control, tension ignites. Bonfire Night is approaching, and someone is set to burn. But who will it be? Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara.

THE SAVAGE, NOBLE DEATH OF BABS DIONNE by Ron Currie (Literary Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Lisa Flanagan
Babs Dionne --- proud Franco-American, doting grandmother, and vicious crime matriarch --- rules her small town of Waterville, Maine, with an iron fist. She controls the flow of drugs into Little Canada with the help of her loyal lieutenants, girlfriends since they were teenagers, and her eldest daughter, Lori, a Marine vet struggling with addiction. When a drug kingpin discovers that his numbers are down in the upper northeast, he sends a malevolent force, known only as The Man, to investigate. At the same time, Babs' youngest daughter, Sis, has gone missing, which doesn't seem at all like a coincidence. In 24 hours, Sis will be found dead, and the whole town will seek shelter from Babs’ wrath. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE by Kristen Arnett (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Cameron Esposito
Cherry Hendricks might be down on her luck, but she can write the book on what makes something funny. She’s a professional clown who creates raucous, zany fun at gigs all over Orlando. Between her clowning and her shifts at an aquarium store for extra cash, she’s always hustling. Not to mention balancing her judgmental mother, her messy love life, and her equally messy community of fellow performers. Things start looking up when Cherry meets Margot the Magnificent, a much older lesbian magician. With Margot’s mentorship and industry connections, Cherry is sure to take her art to the next level. Plus, Margot is sexy as hell. It’s not long before Cherry must decide how much she’s willing to risk for Margot and for her own explosive new act --- and what kind of clown she wants to be under her suit. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.

THE LAST SESSION by Julia Bartz (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Hillary Huber and Allyson Ryan
When a catatonic woman shows up at the psychiatric unit, social worker Thea swears she knows her from somewhere. She’s shocked to discover that the patient holds a link to a traumatic time in her past. Upon regaining lucidity, the patient claims she can’t remember the horrific recent events that caused her brain to shut down. Thea is at a loss, especially when the patient is ripped away from her as suddenly as she appeared. Determined to find her, Thea follows a trail of clues to a remote center in Southwestern New Mexico, where a charismatic couple holds a controversial monthly retreat to uncover attendees’ romantic and sexual issues. Forced to participate in increasingly intimate exercises, Thea finds herself inching closer not only to her missing patient, but also to tantalizing answers about her harrowing past. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE GOLF 100: A Spirited Ranking of the Greatest Players of All Time by Michael Arkush (Sports)
Audiobook available, read by Michael Arkush
So, who’s the best of 'em all? Tiger Woods? Jack Nicklaus? Bobby Jones? Ben Hogan? Golf fans will disagree until the end of time, but one thing is certain: For well over 100 years, the sport has provided its share of spectacular careers and indelible moments. And what about fan favorites such as Phil Mickelson, Nancy Lopez and Lee Trevino? Where do they rank on the list? Or modern players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Nelly Korda and Justin Thomas. Did they make the final cut --- and if so, where? In a joyride through golf history itself, Michael Arkush establishes a ranking system that places a heavy emphasis on the game’s major championships and profiles the most accomplished and impactful golfers ever --- men and women, known and unknown. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS by Yiğit Turhan (Gothic Horror/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Luca John Filiz and Tina Nakhleh Falkenbury
A mysterious stranger shows up at Riccardo’s apartment with some news: his grandmother Perihan has died, and Riccardo has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famed butterfly collection. The struggling writer is out of options. He’s hoping the change of scenery in Milan will inspire him, and maybe there will be some money to keep him afloat. But Perihan’s house isn’t as opulent as he remembers. The butterflies pinned in their glass cases seem more ominous than artful. Perihan’s group of mysterious old friends is constantly lurking. And there’s something wrong in the greenhouse. As Riccardo explores the decrepit estate, he stumbles upon Perihan’s diary, which might hold the key to her mysterious death. Or at least give him the inspiration he needs to finish his manuscript. But he might not survive long enough to write it. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

MAKE SURE YOU DIE SCREAMING by Zee Carlstrom (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Major Curda
The newly nameless narrator of MAKE SURE YOU DIE SCREAMING has rejected the gender binary, has flamed out with a vengeance at their corporate gig, is most likely brain damaged from a major tussle with their now ex-boyfriend, and is on a bender to end all benders. A call from their mother with the news that their MAGA-friendly, conspiracy-theorist father has gone missing launches the narrator from Chicago to deep red Arkansas in a stolen car. Along the way, the narrator and their new bestie --- a self-proclaimed "garbage goth" with her own emotional baggage (and someone on her tail) --- unpack the narrator’s childhood and a recent personal loss that they refuse to face head-on. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

THE CUT by C. J. Dotson (Supernatural Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Jenn Lee
A historic hotel long past its prime and huddled along The Cut, a questionable Lake Erie beach, isn’t Sadie Miles’ ideal place to raise a toddler while also navigating her second pregnancy. After finally fleeing her abusive ex-fiancé, though, Sadie’s new housekeeping position and free room at L’Arpin Hotel are the best she can manage. On her first night, Sadie runs to help a guest struggling in the hotel’s pool only to find the water calm and empty when she gets there, leaving her with a lingering unease. When a guest then goes missing and her manager insists they simply left without checking out, Sadie suspects he’s covering up darker goings-on in the hotel. Everything isn't as it seems within the dim hallways of L’Arpin. Reviewed by Ray Palen.

Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on April 15th

Below are some notable titles releasing on April 15th that we would like to make you aware of. We will have more on many of these books in the weeks to come. For a list of additional hardcovers and paperbacks available the week of April 14th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.

THE DEATH OF US by Abigail Dean (Psychological Thriller)
A captivating portrait of a marriage and its implosion, THE DEATH OF US digs into the stories we tell ourselves about love --- and everything love can bear.

FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM by Heather McGowan (Fiction/Dark Humor)
Coworkers at a legendary but troubled New York City museum struggle with issues large and small over the course of one extraordinary day.

THE GUILT PILL by Saumya Dave (Fiction)
Electric, taut and sharply observed, THE GUILT PILL is a feminist exploration of motherhood, race, ambition, and how the world treats women who dare to go after everything they want.

MURDER BY CHEESECAKE: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Mystery)
When Dorothy’s obnoxious date is found dead in a hotel freezer, it not only ruins a gorgeous cheesecake but threatens the elaborate St. Olaf–themed wedding that Rose is hosting.

THE PERFECT DIVORCE by Jeneva Rose (Domestic Thriller)
It's been 11 years since high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. Sarah has long since moved on, starting a family with her new husband, Bob Miller, and changing careers. Her life is back to being exactly how she always wanted. Or is it?

SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY by Alka Joshi (Historical Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE HENNA ARTIST, this sweeping novel of identity and self-discovery takes readers from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London, to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter's death.

A SONG FOR KATY SHAYNE by Jim Fusilli (Hard-boiled Mystery)
When a music critic learns that a talented young singer might have been murdered, he delves into the past, only to find peril in the present.

STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci (Historical Thriller)
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A CALAMITY OF SOULS comes David Baldacci’s latest novel. Set in London in 1944, it's about a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by the Second World War, and the healing and hope they find in one another.

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Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events

Here is an upcoming virtual author event that you may be interested in attending.

Wednesday, April 16th at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Jeneva Rose (pictured above) about THE PERFECT DIVORCE, the shocking sequel to her multimillion-copy bestselling thriller, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE. Filled with page-turning suspense and the author's signature twists and turns, this book will have readers wondering: Can Bob and Sarah achieve the perfect divorce? Or will it be "'til death do us part"?

 "Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts

“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers long-form, in-depth author interviews. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)

Here is our latest interview:

• Katy Hays (SALTWATER) Video | Podcast

Other authors we've interviewed include:

• Marie Benedict (THE QUEENS OF CRIME) Video | Podcast
• Joseph Finder (THE OLIGARCH'S DAUGHTER) Video | Podcast
• Lisa Genova (MORE OR LESS MADDY) Video | Podcast
• Clare Leslie Hall (BROKEN COUNTRY) Video | Podcast
• Jeff Hobbs (SEEKING SHELTER: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America) Video | Podcast
• Michelle Horton (DEAR SISTER: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds) Video | Podcast
• Georgia Hunter (ONE GOOD THING) Video | Podcast
• Tracey Lange (WHAT HAPPENED TO THE McCRAYS?) Video | Podcast
• Scott Turow (PRESUMED GUILTY) Video | Podcast
• Charmaine Wilkerson (GOOD DIRT) Video | Podcast

Upcoming interviews include:

• Brenda Coffee (MAYA BLUE: A Memoir of Survival)

Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.

Our Latest Poll: Talking Books with Friends

Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, April 25th at noon ET.

Word of Mouth Contest: Tell Us What
You've Read --- and You Can Win Two Books!

Click here to enter the contest.

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